Employees are demanding travel. Some won’t even take a new job that doesn’t include a travel package. But, corporate travel can be stressful, as it takes employees out of their daily routines and away from their families and homes.
So, how do employers ensure their employees are happy whilst traveling for business? In order to understand potential obstacles, they need to put themselves in the shoes of their employees and consider what they value most and what the pain points may be.
Top 10 ways to make your employees feel at home when traveling:
Set them up in comfortable accommodation. No one feels at home in a cookie cutter hotel room, with barely any space between the walls and the bed. Choose high quality, vetted housing equipped for extended stay trips, with kitchens, workspaces, outdoor access, and spacious living areas. Those staying for longer than a few days will benefit from space to separate their workday from leisure time.
Most of us use smart tech on a daily basis and have devices in our homes. Tech provides the convenience most travelers expect. Since a large number of those who travel for work are within the technology industry themselves, they’ll be dissatisfied with anything less.Offer a smooth journey and improve the experience for both you and your employee with all-in-one software that provides real-time updates and automated guest communication.
49% of travelers would choose accommodation that offers more privacy. Tech advanced rooms with contactless check-in and online guest services supply travelers with this solitude to ensure their comfort.
Give your employees flexibility in when they work their hours. Consider time zones especially, no one wants to wake up at 3am for a business meeting. Plus, they’ll be grateful for the opportunity to explore the country/city they’re visiting during the day.
Communication is key for happy employees. They want to know you’re supporting and keeping them safe, as part of your duty of care, wherever they are. Accommodation 24-7 guest services can relieve some of this pressure from your company. A virtual workspace keeps your employee connected to the team and can reduce feelings of isolation they may get from traveling and being away from the office.
Home is where your family is. If your employee is traveling alone, keep them connected to home by allowing time for them to call family and friends each day. Or if the trip is for a longer period, make arrangements for their family to join them.
Travel is a huge motivator and can keep employees engaged and loyal to your company. During the Great Resignation, retaining the experienced talent you already have is crucial. Plus, travel packages can draw in new talent or allow you to reach further afield through relocations for the best of the best staff. But, although many enjoy business trips as part of their career, some travelers have personal obligations you’ll be taking them away from. Sweeten the deal and offer incentives, like an extra day away for them to take as leisure time or the ability to be flexible when they travel so they can do so around commitments.
With the increase of those working from home, the percentage of pet owners has also risen with 23 million US homes adding a pet to their family. At the end of last year, 26% of Gen Z and 5% of baby boomers had acquired a new pet due to the circumstances. Gen Z and Millennials look for jobs that include traveling, and 7/10 said they’d be more likely to travel if they can bring their furry friends. Booking guests in spacious, pet-friendly apartments allows them to bring a piece of home with them wherever they are traveling.
Mental health has always been an issue, with 84% of travelers worrying about this even before recent challenges. Luckily, awareness has risen meaning we can address any contributing factors. Without a clear mind, employees lose focus and will struggle to be productive, but even more importantly they won’t be happy. Understanding an individual's needs and tailoring their trip around these can help decrease the likelihood of stress while traveling. For example, some find exercise is a good outlet and so they’ll require more space.
Don’t make your employees work every day of their trip if they’re there for more than a few days. Let them unplug and switch off from work on weekends like they would at home. This gives them a chance to rejuvenate their energy and make the most of the place they’re visiting, while also increasing their guest experience on extended stays.
Turn business travel into a desired career bonus, rather than a chore. Corporate trips can be pleasurable when your guest is comfortable and feels at home in their accommodation. So, make their extended stay as enjoyable as possible with space, tech, and privacy, while offering them wellness, flexibility, and time off.
3Sixty
3Sixty is a state-of-the-art marketplace that reduces the noise in extended-stay travel.
Our HomeMatch™ technology leverages machine learning and human expertise to curate quality, cost-effective housing where your employees feel safe, comfortable, and at peace.